The Pros and Cons of Us

The Checklist Romance #2

by Emma Miller

He's a player and she hates his game...

Lawson Bennet is a player in more ways than one. He has a reputation around campus, but that doesn't stop girls from trying to take their turn for a night with him. He's spent the last three years of his college career having fun with his friends, winning football games, and hooking up.

Sienna has played her last few years the way she thought she should. She's managed to score a top spot on her lacrosse team. She's kept great grades, and a best friend she loves. Sienna she stayed in her own lane in a relationship she thought was worth it, but it wasn't all it's cracked up to be. With years of love down the drain, Sienna's best friend pushes her for a night of fun, and Sienna does just that.

Sienna and Lawson have a night neither of them seem to be able to forget. The unlikely couple are forced together due to their best friend's budding relationship, and they each have a separate mission. Sienna hopes to never see him again, but for once in his life, Lawson is dying to see her again and make her see who he is deep down inside.

Can they meet in the middle and manage to be civil since they'll be seeing so much of each other, or will every outing end in a disagreement? The only thing they feel they have in common is attraction and mutual dislike... Until things change. Until true feelings come into play.

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance

503 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[MaKayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️🌟!!!

i am so happy this is finally on here so i can RAVE about this absolute gem😭

i was lucky enough to beta read this book back in January & quite literally haven’t stopped thinking about it since

♥ Sienna & Lawson are some of my favorite characters ever & im not even kidding! The way they were wrote was absolute perfection and i truly love them sm🥹

♥ If I had to describe Lawson in only a few words, it would be “In a world of boys, he’s a gentleman.”. I have never encountered such a selfless, respectful, kind hearted and absolute perfect character in all my years of reading. I don’t really do the “fictional boyfriend” thing, but that changed with this book. Lawson is so incredibly good, i’m obsessed

♥ Not only is this book incredibly wholesome, but it’s so raw and relatable. The feeling of reading a book and feeling understood is such an amazing gift to have as an author and Emma’s got it! I continuously got teary eyed because of how deeply I understood these characters and their pain. It was so extraordinary

♥ i’m forever obsessed with them truly🫶🏼 i hadn’t read The List of Things (Checklist Romance Series book 1) yet when i read this, but 15% in i ordered her because of how utterly obsessed i am with all these characters!

♥ the smut is also like 🧑🏻‍🍳 🤌🏼💋 like fr i died tehe

if you want to meet the most green flag characters ever, read these books bc wow wow wow i love

[Chiara Barone · Rating 4 out of 5]

*shaking my ass*
🎶I LIKE SHINY THINGS BUT I’D MARRY YOU WITH PAPER RINGS UH UH, THAT’S RIGHT🎶

[Taja Mckesson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say it again and again, and I will keep saying it until everyone hears me!! Emma’s mind is immaculate. I can not wait until this masterpiece is published! This book is captivating, it gets you in your feels, it’s dreamy, and let’s not forget about the SPICE! My initial reaction after reading was WOW, as I sobbed for an extra five minutes (you should’ve seen me while reading). I was in awe at how much I loved reading this book, it had me DEEP in my thoughts.
Emma’s writing style has always been amazing, but I can definitely see how far she’s come in her writing. From fanfics, to her first published book, to this one, she is KILLING it. The amount of thought and detail that goes into each one of her books has me gagged. She paints an actual portrait with her words. Anytime a book can make you act out the dialogue you know it’s a 5!! Emma did a great job at depicting the thought processes for what the characters were going through. She didn’t at all make any of the serious topics sound cheesy and I truly appreciate that when reading about something I’ve experienced myself! She was able to accurately represent mental health, the thought processes of being a child of divorce, and having a people pleasing personality. Her writing is smooth and makes for an easy read!
THE PLOT!!! Both books in this series have made me, someone who’s never been in love, feel like love still exists. This book had me in a chokehold while reading. I couldn’t put it down until I either passed out from exhaustion or I finished the book! The emotions this book made me feel were so raw. I was SOBBING as I was reading because I felt every single emotion each one of these characters were experiencing. It was unreal. The accuracy in the feelings that were felt by the MCs was truly captivating.
After reading The List of Things I was convinced there was no way Emma’s going to make me fall for any other MC’s. I was set that Kam and Bell were it for me and simply everyone else would fall close second. NO. JUST. NO. Si and Lawsy snuck right in there.
The way she makes her characters so relatable is incredible. She writes characters you can’t help but to fall in love with. It’s not just the Main characters, it’s literally everyone (except Dylan and Jamie they can indeed get wrecked). The MC’s in this book, SIS! The entire book I was like… “okay but am I Sienna…” From her ethnicity, to her personality, to the things happening in her life. It was uncanny how much I saw myself in this character. AND THEN we get to Lawson A.K.A Lawsy A.K.A the guy we all deserve. This man. He’s so sweet, so patient, so understanding, so hot, so everything!!! We are no longer using “If he wanted to, he would.” No ma’am it’s “if he won’t, Lawsy will.” The way he took his time making sure Sienna knew how much she deserved melted my heart. The gestures, the reassuring words, and the SEX! GORLS… We love a man who LOVES women (or Sienna). I don’t see how Emma can top this fictional man, but she sure can try with Parker.
I will definitely be reading this book again and again and again when it’s published. This book is easily going to be a comfort read for me. Words can’t express how excited I am for April 16th! I can praise this book all day long, but you’ll never believe any of it until you read it for yourself. Please read it for yourself.

[shyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was curious to know more about sienna and lawson's relationship after reading the first book. getting to know them on a personal level was really nice. i didn't realize just how long the book was until i started reading it but honestly, i wouldn't have it any other way. their bond deepened more and more as i continued to read and i enjoyed that. the ending was wrapped up nicely as well. also bambi is such a cute nickname for sienna. it melted my heart when he first called her that, i think it suits her perfectly.

rating: 4.3 stars

[Kalee Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Miller does it again.

Lawson Bennett is a walking red flag full of one night stands and Sienna Cole is the kind of girl who would never have a one night stand. Until Lawson.

One night. No strings attached.

Except for their best friends are dating and they will have to be in each other’s lives…

The Pros and Cons of Us is a beautiful romance filled with love, friendship, growth, healing, and learning to trust in oneself and others.

Sienna is the perfect female main character. She’s strong, independent, and sweet. She has some trauma from a previous relationship that keeps popping into her life that she has to learn how to deal with in this book. She has to learn how to trust again. I mean we all need reassurance!

Lawson is the typical walking (sexy) red flag that everyone wants a piece of. But no one truly knows who he is deep down. He is known for his looks, reputation, and football. He has vowed to focus on his football career and keep relationships to one night and one night only. But deep down, he knows who he is. He just hasn’t found someone he wants to share it with.

Lawson and Sienna’s love story touched something deep in my heart. Not only their story, but Sienna’s mother’s story as well. Also, the friendships within this book is what we all look for in friendships: real, loving, and dependable.

The playlist associated with this book is top tier. I’m a person who can read a book and picture a movie in my mind. I can hear voices and picture everything. Emma does such a great job with her writing and her song choices for the chapters just add a whole other level. Emma recommends listening to the song before or during or after. Me personally? I put on my noise canceling headphones and have the song on repeat throughout the chapter as my soundtrack in the background. The spicy scenes with the spicy music.. top tier. The sad scenes with sad music.. crying my eyes out.

Emma, amazing. Thank you for another top tier book, FMC, and MMC. You are out of this world with your writing. And thank you for the ARC!

(now when does book 3 release????)

[Ericka Kobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lucky to have been able to be a beta reader for book 2 of the series! This book had me kicking my feet and grinning ear to ear! If you like opposites attract and mutual pining tropes, then Sienna and Lawson are for you! I enjoyed watching them blossom as a couple, and individually, it was beautiful. I appreciate the character development and how you can see them helping each other without even realizing it. Another thing, I am sure a lot of people will appreciate, is the raw and open discussions about mental health, trauma, therapy and sex. These topics and discussions between characters made me, as a reader, feel so much more connected and understanding of the story. I really urge everyone to listen to the songs as well that go with each chapter, it really makes the scenes come to life and it's just fun! I am always scared I will not like the second book as much as the first in a series, but dare I say I like this one more than the first one?!
I have been a fan of Emma’s writing since 2020 and it's her writing style that keeps me coming back for more! I feel so connected to her characters and genuinely feel inside their heads. Her descriptions and dialogue feel like an actual movie in my head. I am already chomping at the bit for some of book 3!

[Makiah Fluellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I’ll say I’m biased and that with Emma’s writing I’m almost always guaranteed to love the book but regardless this book was amazing. I’ll be recommending this one to my friends as well. And I hope they all get a chance to read it. I read the first book in the series and absolutely loved it and I love this one just as much. If there’s one thing that Emma’s going to be better at than just about every other author whose work I love, it's writing all the things I, a 22 year old woman, want to hear from male characters. If I really man said half this stuff to me I’d probably gag but in books it is all I want and it’s done so well in this series. Lawson is an absolute dream and as he stated numerous times everyone either wants to be Sienna or be with her, I without a doubt want to be her. It also helps that I resonate with parts of her like being biracial and not being black enough or white enough and therefore being unsure about where I belong in the world. So thank you Emma for having complex characters with real feelings and emotions that resonate with various types of people.

[Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pros and Cons of using is steamy, heart-warming, funny, and overall a great romance novel that pulled me out of a 2 month long reading slump! In my opinion, the writing and characters have surpassed The List of Things.

Although the story incorporated popular tropes and some cliches, it didn’t feel cheesy. It simply felt sweet and a lot of the time I found myself covering my heart and saying, “Awww!”

Sienna Cole’s independence, determination, while also pairing her anxiety and social shyness makes her such a relatable character to me.

Lawson Bennet’s charm and swagger make him feel unattainable yet his softness, sweetness, and kindness make him the #1 book boyfriend.

The way the story unfolds between these two characters was filled with tension but evenly paced to give you the instant attraction combined with intense pining. I also loved the incorporating of Bellamy and Kamryn as well as other side characters/friends like Griff, Jade, Parker, and Bri.

Although I felt like the length itself was a tad too long for the plot and there were moments of lull towards the end, I have loved this book so much and I cannot wait to see what comes next from Emma!

[Brooklynn Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I like shiny things, but I'll marry you with paper rings." 💍


The Pros and Cons of Us is the second book of the Checklist series. This series is stand-alone, which means you do not have to read them in order. All the same universe, different stories for each set of characters.

I read the first book already (The List of Things), which I loved! I couldn't wait to read this one.

This book was so good! It was an intriguing story, and the characters were so lovable! Even Lawson, the player, grew on me as I read. This book was spicey, so keep that in mind when reading it! The whole book was written well! Emma knows how to keep a reader's attention. I couldn't put the book down! I needed to know what happened between Sienna and Lawson. Will they get over their feud and their difficulties?

Emma made so many relatable points not only in the story plot but also in the characters. How they reacted to certain situations was spot on. Emma's writing is getting better with each book.

I'm so happy she chose to give Sienna and Lawson their own story. From reading the first book, I wanted to know more about them!

5 🌟 out of 5 🌟

[Brandon Dollar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasnt expecting this to top the first book but I was pleasantly surprised to say it was even more captivating.

The depth to the existing characters and the more complicated dynamic with the couple being focused on created a far greater experience than either book in isolation could do.

The topics explored through Lawson and Sienna feel more relatable and palpable and the slower build up of the relationship gives readers more to chew on and think about.

The distinct differences in dynamic of the love interests compared to their best friends was something to marvel. I truly enjoyed getting to explore their minds and feelings on a deeper level and reveal who they are beyond the supporting cast they were prior.

[Jocelyne Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to think that we are all into football at the moment whether it be because of our girl Taylor or the way we grew up watching it. Either fell in love with a football player in real life or just genuinely love the sport and when a football romance finds a way to you, it’s time to enjoy two of your favorite things. I will never pass on a football romance and I’m so glad I can say this one met all my expectations. The whole book was chefs kiss, it was honestly a five-star for me and I usually don’t use those stars lightly. Emma has a way of putting words together to make her characters feel so real and to stick with you for a lifetime.

[Makaylah J Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawson Bennet is my favorite :) He is pretty much a manwhore but at the same time, he breaks all his little rules for one Girl named Sienna Cole. She has gone through a lot in her past relationships and she is convinced by her best friend, Kamryn, that she should just hook up with someone and live a little. She normally does not do this so that is way out of her comfort zone. Who better to have a one-night stand with than the one who never does relationships? Lawson never opens up for anyone and did I mention that the way they are in bed together is unmatched... Hands down my favorite couple. It was also relatable to the dynamic of absent fathers and rocky family relationships.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 4 out of 5]

@scribblesbookshop proudly supports indie romance authors with the added bonus of offering signed copies. This was one of those purchases.

Turned out to be good choice. They are both athletes. Sienna, however, has a particular aversion to Lawson’s sport. Her backstory provides the why and the author tackles mental health with sensitivity. This romance is more than a feel good story. It showcased the importance of both male and female friendships, an interracial couple and proof that a Lothario could meet his match. Only thing making it 4 rather than 5 stars was the length of the book-trim it down by about 50 to 75 unnecessary pages and it would be a five star read.

[Taylor Tragesser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh you want to fall in love with a fictional boy… read this book. Oh you want a hot football boyfriend… read this book. Oh you want a strong female character who doesn’t take any shit… read this book. Oh you want to go to Seattle Pike University… SAME! If you haven’t read the list of things read it and continue to fan girl with me!! IM OBSESSED WITH THIS UNIVERSE!

[Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader for this book and it was amazing - the love story and the way it unfolds was like watching the best romcom. I can’t wait for you all to read it and fall in love with Lawson the way I did 💕

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tugged at all of my heartstrings. Emma eloquently described what it meant to be in a relationship or situation previously that damaged future relationships for you. It also described what getting older and seeing your parents in a different light looks like. It’s hard to remember our parents are still growing up in this world, and The Pros and Cons of Us reminded me of that.

It seamlessly flowed with the first book, the List of Things, and being able to see the growth and behind-the-scenes of all of the characters, not just Sienna and Lawson.

While the story is a bit longer than I would’ve liked, Sienna and Lawson's story will always have a place in my heart!

[Karen Nasralla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m actually so sad right now I am so sad that I finished it, the ending was just perfect. Amazing, I loved how it ended with sienna, finally finding her family that she loves and being surrounded by people who actually care about her and protect her in more ways than she could ever imagine.

[Aubrey Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. emma has done it once again (who’s surprised? not me) lawson and sienna were so well written and thought out. i’m going to be skipping around my room singing paper rings for the foreseeable future.

[Mia🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Super cute and fit perfectly with the first book in the series. The whole story was well rounded and everything worked well together. I really enjoyed Lawson and Sienna’s story. The ending was perfect and what I would have wanted for them.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like book 1, I loved it. I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. I might possibly love Lawson more than Belamy and I love Belamy. Cannot wait for book 3 and i love how this one was setting it up. My only complaint was that there were a few grammar and formatting issues

[Ava Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

SIENNA AND LAWSON MY BABBIEEESSS. i’ve wanted a book on them since i first read “the list of things”. their story was too good to not share. i see so much of myself in sienna and lawson both. 10000000% re-read

[McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

like i knew i was going to be down bad but i didnt realize lawson was literally the perfect fictional man for me.

[Courtney Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BEST romance everrrrr. Realistic. Relatable. With the perfect amount of spice. UGHHHHH. Team LawSi???? YES.

[Skye Rainville · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love when side characters get a spin off🙂‍↕️

[Isabelle Low · Rating 1 out of 5]

i’m sorry, but what the hell

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sierra so much, and I love Lawson as well! Their connection, their banter is everything! Literally the perfect match